I've always thought that ice–breakers have been a little dry and a mostly quite forced. 'Hello, my name is Grant and my inner animal is a lion because I am a born leader'.

It's just not inspiring, and no one enjoys talking about themselves to a bunch of strangers, however large the ego.

While discussing the mechanics of a design workshop that both myself and Yvonne of Wildwon plan on running in a few weeks we both agreed that it would be by invite only, and to ensure the calibre of participants is high we'd ask each person to introduce their invited guest and explain why they invited them. This tweaked my interest in a great alternative to the traditional ice breaker.

This is a long piece. The topic was by request from a long term colleague, and more importantly friend, who asked me to write about how I manage my depression and work together to achieve the best work–life balance.

Admittedly suffering depression is becoming less of a ‘suffer’ as it has become more socially acceptable, and as government policy begins to align with those that need support.

With celebrity suicides (especially those that are popular) depression and suicide become even more empathised by the general populous, if not hyper-intensively so.

Having said that, depression is a significant burden.

It is something that is infinitely challenging for me to deal with. It is never a walk in the park, and is managed at best. It is not to be overly simplified—nor would I try to.

I’ve been reading a lot of trite about the traditional Above the Line Agency hearing an increasingly louder death knell, and the new modern amazing Digital Agency is here to save the day. Cause they get it. That in a few years it will be Digital Agencies running the land, free to roam and solve huge business problems.

The thing is that the less than humble digital agency has just as much to worry about.

While digital is most certainly changing the way that businesses conduct advertising and allocate spend, it’s still very new. It’s also far less refined and confirmed.

What it has brought us however is data, and the data to make scientific decisions about who and what we market to.